Connelly, House congratulate North Central President Harold Wilde for leadership

The Illinois House of Representatives congratulates retiring North Central College President Harold R. Wilde for his nearly 22 years of leadership at the school.

The resolution sponsored by state Rep. Michael Connelly (R-Naperville) commemorates Wilde’s tenure as the ninth president in the College’s 151-year history. Wilde retires on Dec. 31 and will be succeeded by Dr. Troy D. Hammond. The resolution was adopted by the 97th General Assembly, and Connelly presented a copy of the resolution to Wilde Oct. 27 during the College’s Riverwalk Gateway dedication.

“The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate North Central College President Harold Wilde on his retirement,” the resolution states.

Wilde became the College’s president in 1991 and will have served nearly 22 years at the helm of the 3,000-student private comprehensive liberal arts college.

“During his time as president, the institution has seen a nearly 10-fold increase in its endowment, a doubling of its full-time student population, completion of 15 major building projects, continuously balanced budgets, and a successful $50 million capital campaign,” the resolution states.

Wilde earned a bachelor of arts degree at Amherst College and a master’s degree and doctorate in government from Harvard University.

“We congratulate President Harold Wilde on his retirement, thank him for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” the resolution states. The full text of House Resolution No. 811 may be viewed on the Illinois Legislature’s website.